Upcoming Events

Outreach Ministries

The Best of the Tradition With a Heart for Evangelism and Discipleship

First Evangelical Lutheran Church was founded in 1851 in downtown Houston and has been in Midtown since 1927. It served as the gathering place for German Lutherans in Houston for the first several decades of its life. It continues to serve as a gathering place for followers of Jesus who desire to worship, learn, and serve their Lord together. First Lutheran is committed to the Great Commission of making disciples and baptizing in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. To carry this mission out, we emphasize five ministries:

Worship and Teaching - The worship is rooted in the historic liturgy and music of the Lutheran tradition. The teaching and preaching are rooted in the Bible, apologetics, and movements in society and the Church at large. Learn about upcoming topics here.​First Friends - This Parents Day Out program is for infants, toddler and Pre-K children. It uses a Christian curriculum and serves families with young children. And for parents looking for affordable and trustworship babysitting, check out the new Parent's Night Out Program here. Music at First - Every month, First Lutheran hosts a musician or musical ensemble for a presentation of high quality music. There is no admission charge. Organist Patrick Parker, soprano Megan Stapleton, violinist Carole Marie Harris and the Zachow Consort and Players have all been featured. See the Upcoming Events box above for information about future concerts or go here. The Bonhoeffer House - This program will house and train men and women for future ministry, while living in intentional Christian community. It hosts Jesus 101, an introduction to Jesus complete with a free lunch, for Houston Community College students across the street every Wednesday at 12:00 during the school year. This ministry is inspired by Dietrich Bonhoeffer's classic work, Life Together.

First Word Debate Series - These events will bring together intellectuals and public figures to debate the philosophical, moral and religious issues of our day. The Spring will feature two events on the resurrection of Jesus. Learn more about past and future events here.

First Lutheran strongly supports and recommends the Christian Community Service Center. CCSC acts as the hands and feet of Christ, responsibly and lovingly helping those in Houston who are unemployed, underemployed, hungry and homeless.